“The world is more dangerous today”, acknowledged European Council President Charles Michel, stressing the EU’s support for multilateralism and a rules-based order and highlighting the need to “deal with China and not decouple” from it. He welcomed the leaders’ endorsement to send additional weapons and ammunitions to Ukraine, a major step towards a European defence system. Regarding long-term competitiveness, Mr Michel said that Europe must become “a powerhouse of innovation”, particularly on renewable energy and clean technologies.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that the EU, given its ambitious targets for the deployment of renewables, needs to create a better regulatory environment for European manufacturers of clean technologies, while highlighting the importance of critical raw materials to ensure the green and digital transitions.

Moving on to the war in Ukraine, she reiterated that the EU will keep supporting Kyiv whatever the cost…